CANDY ON THE CAPE: The Beachcomber is open for summer

Friday

May 24, 2013 at 12:01 AMMay 24, 2013 at 1:55 AM

As I contemplate the arrival of Memorial Day Weekend I am amazed that we made it through this interminable winter, but as long as it seemed, I can’t believe the beginning of the summer season is here. I find I am slow to pull out the summer clothes, and I haven’t bought one plant for my porch. Not yet. I suppose I’m looking at summer with distrust after days of frigid temps with no power, and when there was power, conserving the platinum-priced heating oil by keeping the house at bone-chilling temps. Summer… I thought you and your blue skies and warm sun would never arrive. I promise to not take you for granted, or whine when it’s too warm. Well, not much.

Candace Hammond

As I contemplate the arrival of Memorial Day Weekend I am amazed that we made it through this interminable winter, but as long as it seemed, I can’t believe the beginning of the summer season is here. I find I am slow to pull out the summer clothes, and I haven’t bought one plant for my porch. Not yet. I suppose I’m looking at summer with distrust after days of frigid temps with no power, and when there was power, conserving the platinum-priced heating oil by keeping the house at bone-chilling temps. Summer… I thought you and your blue skies and warm sun would never arrive. I promise to not take you for granted, or whine when it’s too warm. Well, not much.

Nothing spells the beginning of summer like the opening of the Beachcomber in Wellfleet. This iconic beachfront bar is mecca to its devotees, and the only place like it on the East Coast. Of course it wouldn’t be opening weekend at the Beachcomber without the Incredible Casuals. On Sunday, May 26 at 5 p.m., Chandler Travis and the band are back. Oh, and of course you can head there tonight, Friday, for some reggae with DJ Bud E. Green, and Saturday night for some more dancing with DJ White Animal Sound. On Monday it’s something a bit local -The Trees and The Sunsharks return for a Memorial Day Happy Hour! Showtime is 5 p.m.

I mentioned it once before, but it bears repeating – the play “Utility Monster” opens this weekend at W.H.A.T. Written by the late Marina Keegan, it has been written up in the New Yorker and I’ve got a feeling it should not be missed. For tickets go to what.org or call 508-349-9428.

Well there may be some controversy about where dogs can and can’t go in Brewster – I’m staying out of it – I have cats! But there is one place they will be very welcome on Friday, May 24 – at “Yappy Hour” at Laurino’s on 6A in Brewster. This fundraiser for the Brewster Branch of the Animal Rescue League of Boston is a place you can bring your dog and know it’s welcome. For a $10 donation to the Rescue League, Fido (or Fifi) will be given treats, you can have some free appetizers (cash bar) and mingle with some other dog lovers on the patio. Sounds like a very fun way to start off the holiday weekend. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. and goes to 7:30 p.m.

If you are looking for something a little different to do on Sunday, May 26, you could go to the Irish Pub in West Harwich and see the U2 tribute band, Joshua Tree. You should go, but the show will go on with or without you. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

If you’ve never taken the kids, or been to the top of a lighthouse yourself, now’s your chance! Why not take a tour of Nauset Lighthouse this Sunday? They are giving tours from 4:30-7:30 p.m. through Sept. 8, so you have plenty of time to plan your visit. And the best part is it’s free! The lighthouse is located at on Cable Road at Oceanview Drive, Eastham. For more information go to nausetlight.org.

On Tuesday, May 28, New York Times best-selling author, Lisa Genova will be doing a book signing at the Sandwich Public Library at 7 p.m. Genova, who lives on the Cape, has written three best-selling novels – “Still Alice,” “Left Neglected,” and “Love Anthony.” She holds a doctorate in neuroscience and speaks internationally about Alzheimer’s disease. It will be worth the trip to meet this accomplished author.

In what’s become an annual Memorial Day weekend event, Weekend, that very cool shop in East Orleans, is having a sidewalk sale on May 24-26. During the weekend selected items will be up to 70 percent off. Weekend has a wonderful selection of clothing, accessories, gifts and special items for the home. You will never find their gorgeous inventory at such amazing discounts. Weekend is on Main St. in East Orleans on the way to Nauset Beach.